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10 West 9th Street
New York, N.Y.
January 31st, 1946
Dear Mr. Taylor:
I am interested in an item which appeared recently in the New York Press to the effect that the Metropolitan Museum of Art hoped to raise a large sum of money from the art lovers of New York and vicinity to be used to enlarge its space and art collections. A very worthy and important idea. This museum has become a mighty force for Art education and deserves the large subscription which it desires. 
I should, however, like to present a petition that the entire sum should not be expended and collect additional art treasures, but that a portion should be reserved for the car and protection of the collection already in its possession. Especially for the painters whose life work is ended and whose paintings, if allowed to deteriorate, could not be replaced. 
It is because of an experience of my own that I have the temerity to offer the above suggestion, around the year 1905, your museum acquired a painting of William Glackens. In 1936 it was sent to the Paris exposition and awarded the Grand Prix. During those many years it had never been cleaned or renovated. After William Glackens death, I was permitted to have the canvas cleaned by Julius Lowy prior to its being hung in the Glackens Memorial exhibition at the Whitney Museum. 
I should deeply appreciate to this letter, bringing me the good news that the future adequate arrangements can be made for the conservation of the priceless art already in the possession of the Museum. 
Most sincerely yours,
Edith D. Glackens